Comments and questions can be provided by email, telephone or mail using the contact information below.

The program options we explored were identified by reviewing what other cities are currently offering and included:

• Loan financing for energy efficiency upgrades
• Rebates on energy efficient and renewable energy equipment
• Energy audits to identify what improvements could be made
• Benchmarking, labeling, and disclosure
• Tools to help with deciding between energy efficiency options
• Networking opportunities aimed at specific groups within the ICI sector (ex. businesses, tenants/renters, property owners, etc.)

The ICI sector in Saskatoon includes a diverse range of representatives that manage, operate, and/or own a commercial business, institution, industry, or multi-unit residence. Therefore, we received feedback from:

• Businesses, commercial businesses and business associations
• Developers and real estate agents
• Industries and institutions
• Multi-unit housing owners and providers
• Property managers, owners, and renters
• Schools, non-governmental organizations, health care institutions, etc.
• Subject matter experts (including renewable energy suppliers, energy auditors, energy efficiency solution providers, etc.)
• Trades people and businesses involved in building efficiency retrofits.

From May to October 2023 the City engaged the ICI sector in the development of the ICI Building Energy and Water Retrofit Program. Through individual meetings and surveys, we asked subject matter experts and ICI representatives who manage, operate and/or own their building(s) how the City can make the program work for them by asking:

• What are your expectations on energy, water and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions savings?
• What are the opportunities and barriers for completing building efficiency retrofits?
• How can the City support your building efficiency efforts and choices?

Based on the results of the feasibility study and review of the Home Energy Loan Program, the City has developed the Community Energy Loans Programs Decision Report. The report recommends that City Council approve the implementation of two PACE programs: an expansion of the current Home Energy Loan Program and a new C-PACE pilot program. The programs would:

• Offer loans to building owners in Saskatoon (residents and business owners, respectively) to perform energy efficiency, water efficiency and renewable energy retrofits to their buildings that would then be repaid through their property taxes 
• Run for three years
• Be cost neutral to the City through administration fees or external grant funding
• Provide multiple financial, environmental and social benefits and offer a combined minimum annual GHG reduction of 855 tonnes of CO₂e